RAMNARAYAN Asked on - Jun 07, 2025 Hi my son got 20548 rank in jee advance... Please suggest priority order with computer engineer and mechanical engineering

Ans: With a JEE Advanced rank of 20,548, your son has a solid chance of securing admission to a well-regarded engineering program at an IIT or NIT. Based on his interest in Computer Science (CS) and Mechanical Engineering (ME), here’s a suggested priority list:

1. Computer Science at a New/Emerging IIT
At this rank, your son can aim for CS programs in newer IITs such as IIT Indore, IIT Bhilai, IIT Dharwad, or others.

These institutes tend to have more accessible cutoff ranks for CS.

While they are newer, they still offer a quality IIT experience with growing infrastructure and faculty.

Be sure to check the most recent cutoff data to confirm eligibility.

2. Mechanical Engineering at a Top IIT
If CS is the top preference but not feasible at any IIT, consider Mechanical Engineering at one of the older, more established IITs—like IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, or IIT Roorkee.

These institutes have long-standing, reputed ME departments.

This is a strong backup option if CS doesn’t work out.

3. Mechanical Engineering at a New IIT
If ME at a top IIT isn’t possible, look into Mechanical Engineering at a newer IIT where your son’s rank would likely be sufficient.

4. Explore NITs (National Institutes of Technology)
If admission to an IIT doesn’t align with his preferences, NITs are excellent alternatives, especially for Computer Science.

Many NITs have very strong CS departments and good placement records.

Check the previous years' cutoffs to target the right options.

Additional Tips:
IIT vs. NIT: IITs are generally more prestigious with better resources and alumni networks, but top NITs—especially for CS—can provide a comparable experience.

Course over College: If your son is truly passionate about Computer Science, it's better to choose CS in a newer IIT or a top NIT rather than settle for another branch in a more established IIT.

JoSAA Counselling: Be sure to register for JoSAA counselling, which will guide the seat allocation process based on your son's rank and preferences.

Review Cutoffs: Use last year’s JoSAA closing ranks to shortlist realistic options.

Interest Matters: If he's undecided between CS and ME, lean toward CS if he enjoys coding, tech, and software-related fields.

Stay Flexible: Keep an open mind while exploring choices. The best decision balances interest, institute reputation, and career prospects.